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Dear John, 

This week, we, along with all Canadians of good conscience were shocked to see Hamas publicly offer thanks to the Government of Canada for their call for a ceasefire. The boldness of Hamas is directly attributable to the failure of many to hold the terror organization properly accountable for their war crimes.   

Read on to learn more.

The CIJA Team  

Last week, we were disgusted and frankly shocked that only hours after issuing a statement preconditioning a ceasefire on Hamas releasing the hostages, stopping its use of Palestinians as human shields, laying down its arms, and surrendering its control of Gaza, that Canada voted for a UN General Assembly resolution supporting a ceasefire that did none of that.  

The UN resolution fails to hold Hamas accountable for its war crimes, fails to even condemn these war crimes, and fails to call for Hamas to lay down its arms and surrender. In fact, it fails to include any of the preconditions Canada called for just hours earlier. Read our statement here.

The incoherence was made worse when Canada’s new position on the Israel-Hamas war garnered praise and thanks – from Hamas itself.  

Hamas spokesperson Ghazi Hamad issued an English-language video message on December 18, stating:  

“The statement by Canada, Australia, and New Zealand backing sustainable ceasefire in Gaza – we welcome these developments and consider them in the right direction towards isolating the fascist Israeli government globally and ending the longest-ever occupation in our modern time.”  

This is what a failure to hold Hamas accountable looks like.   

Hamas has been a listed terrorist entity organization under Canadian law since 2002.   

As the advocacy agent of Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, representing Jewish Federations across Canada, CIJA’s aim is to combat antisemitism, preserve and protect Jewish life in Canada, and strengthen the Canada-Israel Friendship. We could not accomplish our work without the support of our Federation partners. Please consider making a donation to your local federation. By doing so, you are helping to strengthen our Jewish community at home, across Canada and around the world.  Find your federation here.

Community Calendar

Communities are gathering in cities across Canada in response to the devastating war on Israel by Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza. Find an event near you.

December 25-26 | Christmas and Boxing Day CIJA Offices Closed
January 1 |  Happy new year! CIJA Offices Closed

CIJA in the News 

Jewish group wants investigation into online posts following Ottawa terror arrest (Global News + Syndication) 

Ottawa minor charged with terror plot against Jewish people (Vancouver Sun, Ottawa Citizen + Post Media Syndication)   

Ottawa Jewish community imagining ‘lots of nightmare scenarios’ in the wake of RCMP arrest of teenager on terrorism plot against Jews (The Canadian Jewish News) 

Police urged to enforce harassment and intimidation laws after MPs face rise in threats, vandalism (The Globe and Mail) 

Do more to address hate, Jewish groups say, as Ottawa youth faces explosives charges (The Star, National Post, Canadian Press Syndication) 

Toronto police report staggering rise in hate crimes against Jews, Muslims (CityNews Toronto) 

Liberals echo Hamas condemnation after militant leader hails Canada (The Canadian Press + Syndication) 

Liberals do damage control after 'thank-you' message from Hamas terror leader  (Postmedia syndication) 

Community Careers

Associate Director, University Relations and Public Education | Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver/CIJA

CEO, Ottawa Soloway Jewish Community Centre

Community Engagement Specialist | Jewish Federation of Ottawa